Dream Scenario
Directed by Kristoffer BorgliHapless family man Paul Matthews finds his life turned upside down when millions of strangers suddenly start seeing him in their dreams. But when his nighttime appearances take a nightmarish turn, Paul is forced to navigate his newfound stardom.
Cast of Dream Scenario
Dream Scenario Ratings & Reviews
- Kevin WardJuly 2, 2025Incredible premise with another gripping lead performance from Nicolas Cage as Paul Matthew’s, a tenured university professor that inexplicably starts popping up in everyone’s dreams. It starts with his daughter, then an ex-flame, but soon includes complete strangers. What irks Paul most is that in all of these dreams he seems incapable of taking action. He simply watches and is effectively rendered impotent, literally and figuratively. I loved this interplay of perception vs reality. In reality, Paul is incapable of taking action. He fails to stand up against a colleague that he believes stole some of his research. He repeated has opportunities to advocate for himself, but he backs away every time. But when everyone else starts to see him as a man of inaction in their dreams, it’s fascinating how public perception of your self can chance your own actual self perception. It’s one thing if you think you’re a loser, but it’s something else if everyone else thinks you are. The film also takes a surface level look at fame and cancel culture. It’s not nearly as nuanced Tár for example, but I loved that in this instance, Paul literally has no control over his own fame since it’s entirely encompassed within other people’s dreams. As such he has no control over when the fallout hits. I especially loved how when he finally publicly apologizes for his “actions” he’s criticized for being self serving. Even though, I felt this fizzles in the last 20-25 minutes or so, I think it’s worth checking out. And it’s a no brainer for Cage fans. He is excellent as always. Fantastic Michael Cera cameo also.
- Ray HopkinApril 27, 2025Such a weird, funny, and interesting film! Cage is (as usual) electric, making you emphasise and be infuriated at the same time! A very original film, very well done.
- tryhard101March 4, 2025I watched this movie at 2x speed.
- PatrikStarFebruary 10, 2025He farted, came and left....
- RyezooFebruary 4, 2025Cool idea, bad execution. It just never really puts it all together. Nicholas Cage is solid in this and it’s always fun seeing Michael Cera. Wish this had more to say then what it did.
- VarunOctober 19, 2024This movie is fucking hilarious and also tragic. Dream Scenario has a lot to say about fame, attention, perception vs. reality, cancel culture, the subconscious, self-sabotage and so much more. It doesn’t necessarily give answers or strong opinions but it raises really good questions on what should truly be valued in life. This is definitely one of my favourite Nicholas Cage performances. I found the last 20 minutes of the movie to be a bit weak but overall the movie was very enjoyable and intriguing.
- Desmond DaleJanuary 24, 2025The perfect vehicle for Cage to utilize his expertise in German expressionism, it's a film that's so Kaufman-esque and also shares some plot commonalities with Nightmare on Elm Street. It's the type of black comedy that really settles into its dramatic and horror flourishes but ultimately ends with one last amusing romp. Like in Shakespeare's A Midnight Summer sometimes you can purposefully deconstruct a person's suspension of disbelief. Giving a happy ending but causing attention to how it is woefully unearned.
- jackmeatNovember 7, 2024My quick rating - 6.8/10. This flick is a dark comedy that takes a delightfully absurd premise and runs with it, delivering a clever satire on fame, paranoia, and the strange allure of social media’s spotlight. At the center of it all is Nicolas Cage, who is perfectly cast as Paul Matthews, a regular guy whose life is thrown into chaos when he inexplicably starts appearing in the dreams of millions. Cage nails the role, bringing both humor and pathos to Paul’s journey from anonymity to unwanted stardom, making this quirky story as entertaining as it is unsettling. Writer/director Kristoffer Borgli crafts a captivating concept that speaks to the age of instant celebrity and cancel culture. Though these themes linger in the background, the film’s primary focus is the creeping paranoia that haunts Paul as his dream appearances take a dark, menacing turn. The bizarre twist of millions witnessing his image each night leaves him struggling to manage the repercussions in his waking life. Borgli's script captures the surreal nature of modern fame, exploring how even the most ordinary lives can spiral out of control in a world hungry for spectacle. The film is propelled by sharp writing and solid performances all around, with Cage delivering one of his best roles in recent years. He portrays Paul with a perfect balance of befuddlement and vulnerability, inviting us to sympathize with his surreal predicament. The supporting cast adds to the hilarity, amplifying the film’s satirical undertones. However, as engaging as it is, this flick does falter in its final act. A late, somewhat jarring plot development disrupts the pacing and distracts from the strong themes established earlier in the story. This "foreign element" feels out of place, drawing focus away from Paul’s personal journey and the movie's sharp critique of fame and surveillance. It doesn't derail the entire film but does detract from the otherwise cohesive narrative. Overall, this is a unique, darkly funny take on the strange consequences of unasked-for fame, buoyed by a standout performance from Cage. Despite a misstep in its final stretch, it’s a well-executed, thought-provoking watch for fans of unconventional comedies and social satire alike.
